Three-time Pro Bowl DE announces shock retirement at 33

Veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith has announced his immediate retirement, leaving the Philadelphia Eagles in need of reinforcements.

Smith, now 33, reportedly told the team of his decision to retire on Monday morning. Now in his 11th season in the league Smith had signed on a one-year deal with the Eagles last month, worth an initial $4.25 million but potentially rising to $9 million.

The three-time Pro Bowler announced the news on Instagram on Monday, writing: “I knew this day would come -- but now that it’s here, l’m feeling so many emotions I never expected."

He continued: “Who would’ve thought that a kid from Greenville, AL, with just one year of high school football experience, would go on to play professional football in the NFL for 11 incredible years!... As I step into the newest season of my life, please know this game has meant the world to me. The lessons learned on and off the field will stay with me forever.”

Smith finishes his NFL career with 70.5 sacks, 176 quarterback hits and 87 tackles for loss across 145 games. He is best-known for his three-year spell with the Green Bay Packers, where he was elected to the Pro Bowl each season.

Smith was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2015 NFL Draft and also went on to represent the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions.

For the Eagles, Smith’s departure further complicates matters in the defensive line. Philadelphia had already lost Brandon Graham to retirement and Josh Sweat to free agency, before Nolan Smith Jr. and Ogbo Okoronko were placed on the injured reserve list. With Smith no longer in contention there is a real shortage of pass rushers for Philadelphia.

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